Health & Beauty

Health

  • Stress Buster
  • Foods that fight Cancer

    • Beauty

  • Get the most from your styling products
  • Choosing the perfect foundation for you

    • Links



    Health


    STRESS-BUSTER: BETTER BREATHING.

    We are all constantly bombarded with articles warning us about the destructive effects stress can have on our physical and emotional well-being, so it's refreshing to know that there is a simple exercise that is guaranteed to relax even the tensest of people at the most stressful of times.

    What is this magic secret?
    DEEP BREATHING!

    Although we all tend to think that breathing comes very naturally and we can all do it, the fact is that many people breathe incorrectly! Many of us breathe shallowly, using our upper chest, which consequently means we do not fill our lungs completely. So if you're one of those people who feels constantly stressed you should try this simple breathing exercise - it will relax you completely AND if practised several times throughout the day, it will help you become a calmer, more relaxed person.

    The Breathing Exercise

    1. LIE DOWN. At the start, it is much easier to do this exercise lying down, however once you have mastered it, you can try the exercise sitting or standing - whatever feels comfortable!
    2. HELPING HANDS. Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Your hands will indicate whether you are breathing correctly (using your lungs properly) or incorrectly (using mainly your upper chest).
    3. TAKE A BREATH. Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your stomach to swell. This means you are using your lungs properly. Try to move your upper chest as little as possible, and always keep the movement gentle. Slowly and gently breathe out through your nose.
    4. RHYTHM. Repeat this exercise until you get a rhythm going - you should aim for nine to twelve breaths a minute (breathing in and breathing out again counts as one breath).
    5. REPEAT. At first you may feel a little out of breath, but with regular practice you will find your new, slower rate of breathing very comfortable. It is especially good to practice it when lying in bed just before you go to sleep - it will help clear your mind and relax your body, preparing it for a great nights rest.



    Foods that Fight Cancer!

    Researchers now agree that diet is considered a major weapon against cancer. Because cancer develops over a long time it means you have years in which you can help to hinder or promote it. The Cancer Research Campaign estimates that over one-third of all cancers are linked to diet, and recent studies indicate that by eating particular foods you may reduce your risk significantly. So what are these miracle foods and how do they work? Read on to discover some surprising life-savers!
    SOYA BEANS. Soya beans are thought to contain at least five compounds believed to protect against cancer, one of which is chemically similar to a drug routinely used to treat breast cancer. In many animal studies, these beans have been found to inhibit skin, colon and other cancers by slowing the growth and division of cancer cells.
    Other beans, such as lentils, haricot, chick-peas, borlotti and broad beans may also contain anti-cancer agents.

    ALLIUM VEGETABLES. These include garlic, onions and spring onions. Many of these vegetables contain chemicals that block the growth and division of carcinogens that are linked to stomach, liver and colon cancer. They also interfere with the deadly cells by boosting the immune system.

    TOMATOES. Lycopene, the pigment that makes tomatoes red is thought to reduce the risk of cancer particularly pancreatic cancer, by zapping certain cancer-triggering oxygen free radicals. Other foods that contain this antioxidant are apricots and watermelons, it is also found in tomato products like tomato puree and sauces.

    GREEN VEGETABLES. Dark green vegetables contain the most antioxidants (such as beta-carotene, folate and lutein) and therefore reduce the risk of many deadly cancers. Try to eat kale, broccoli, spinach, dark-green cabbages and lettuces to help protect yourself from disease.

    CITRUS FRUIT. Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes contain every class of natural substances (such as flavonoids and carotenoids) that help to neutralise carcinogens. They are also proven to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer if eaten daily.

    CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES. Cabbage, cress, turnips, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower mat all help reduce the risk of breast cancer,colon and stomach cancer. However DO NOT OVERCOOK these vegetables as it will destroy the anti-cancer compounds.





    Beauty


    Get the Most from your Styling Products

    A fool proof guide! - WHAT TO USE, HOW TO USE IT, but most importantly - HOW NOT TO USE THEM!

    WAX. Gives great definition to curls and texture to short hair. DON'T: apply lots of wax straight from the pot. Cold wax will just drag over dry hair and flake off before you know it. DO: warm a little wax thoroughly, either in the palm of your hand, between your fingers or by pointing the hairdryer nozzle into the pot, before applying with your fingertips.
    MOUSSE. Adds lots of body and volume to any blow-dried style. DON'T: put mousse onto either dripping wet locks or bone dry hair. For mousse to be really effective, hair should be at least 70% dry before you apply it. DO: spread a golfball-sized blob between your palms then smooth through hair from roots to ends before blow-drying.
    SHINE SERUM. Boosts shine, tames frizz and temporarily 'seals' split ends. DON'T: put too much on - using anymore than two or three drops will make your hair look like it needs a good scrub! DO: rub the smallest amount between your palms and fingers, then smooth both hands over your hair from roots to ends. Use on damp hair before drying for a smoother finish and on styled hair for boosting shine.
    GEL. Gives super-staying power to flicks, fringes and shorter styles or a sleek finish to layered hair. DON'T: brush or comb hair once you've applied gel or it may flake! DO: spray or smooth gel onto damp hair, comb through and leave to 'set' for an all-over wet look. To hold sections of styled hair in place, spray or rub the tiniest blob between your thumb and second finger and smooth onto sections from roots to ends.
    HAIRSPRAY. Keeps your style in place whatever the conditions! DON'T: spray any closer than eight inches from your hair. DO: take a tip from top stylists and spray the hairspray onto your hairbrush before brushing it through your hair. To tame frizzy bits around your face, spritz your fingers with hairspray and smooth them over flyaway strands.



    How to buy Foundation

    Learn to choose the perfect foundation for you - and avoid that 'you've been tangoed' look!

    TINTED MOISTURISER.
    GOOD FOR: normal and dry skin. Tinted moisturisers are brilliant if you've got good skin that doesn't need complete cover. They give a luminous glow to skin whilst adding extra moisture, and they are usually available in four tints. Try Nivea Visage Tinted Moisturiser, Oil Of Ulay Tinted Moisturiser or Clarins Revitalising Tinted Moisturiser. For best results apply with your fingertips and massage in like you would a moisturiser. If you would like more coverage under your eyes, blend in concealer after applying the tint.

    COMPACT.
    GOOD FOR: normal and oily skin (don't use if you have dry skin as it will only highlight the problem). If you're a complete beginner with make-up or would simply like a natural, yet matte finish, then choose a good quality compact like Clinique City Base Compact Foundation SPF15 or Max Factor 3-in-1 Complete Make-up. Apply with a dry sponge for sheer cover, or a damp sponge for a heavier finish.

    CREAM.
    GOOD FOR: normal, dry and extra-dry skin (don't use on oily skin). Cream foundation gives heavier coverage than liquids but still blends to a velvety finish. The best thing about cream is that the consistency can be controlled, so apply it sparingly and try mixing it with your moisturiser, or mix shades to get a perfectly natural match for your skin. Try Maybelline True Illusion Make-up (oil-free).

    LIQUID.
    GOOD FOR: all skin types. Liquid foundation is the most versatile of all foundations. Its available in plenty of different finishes, but if you've got oily skin then look for oil-free or water-based products to absorb your natural oil. If you've got dryer skin, pick one that's ultra sheer like Christian Dior Teint Diorlight Sheer Luminous Foundation. If that's a bit out of the price range then try L'Oreal Feel Perfect, Cover Girl Balancing Liquid Make-up or Rimmel Soft Finish. Apply with your fingertips and blend well!

    STICK.
    GOOD FOR: normal and oily skins (don't use on dry skin). These are particularly good if you've got problem skin because they offer thicker coverage. However they can be drying and can look 'caked on' if you use too much, so apply sparingly with a damp sponge and make sure to choose a shade that matches your skintone exactly.Try Estee Lauder Minute Make-Up Stick Foundation for a smooth finish.

    THE BEST WAY TO FIND THE PERFECT SHADE OF FOUNDATION FOR YOUR SKIN IS TO TEST IT ON YOUR JAWLINE (NOT ON YOUR HAND) AND LEAVE IT FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN CHECK WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IN DAYLIGHT.





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